Goat Chili with Eye of the Goat Beans

Recipe by Laurence Jossel

Spiced with árbol and guajillo chiles, this mellow, satisfying chili contains both braised goat shoulder and Rancho Gordo's Ojo de Cabra (Eye of the Goat) beans. The recipe is also wonderful with pork shoulder in place of the goat and ordinary kidney beans instead of the heirloom kind.

Pairing Suggestion Beer is a classic accompaniment to chili, partly because its light bitterness and cold temperature work so well with rich foods. Two good choices for Jossel's meaty goat chili are both crisp lagers: Samuel Adams' caramel-accented Octoberfest and the lightly hoppy Brooklyn Brewery Brooklyn Lager.

ACTIVE: 1 HR
TOTAL TIME: 3 HRS 30 MIN PLUS OVERNIGHT MARINATING AND 4 HR SOAKINGa..
SERVINGS: 8
HEALTHY
MAKE-AHEAD

INGREDIENTS
3 dried árbol chiles, stemmed and seeded
1 dried guajillo chile, stemmed and seeded
1 ancho chile, stemmed and seeded
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 teaspoon hot pimentón de la Vera (smoked Spanish paprika)
Kosher salt
2 pounds trimmed, boneless goat or pork shoulder, rinsed and picked over, then cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups dried Eye of the Goat or red kidney beans, rinsed and picked over, then soaked for 4 hours and drained
1 thick slice of bacon (1 ounce), cut crosswise into 1/4-inch strips
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 cup dark Mexican beer, such as Negra Modelo
2 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
Freshly ground pepper
Sour cream, cilantro sprigs and lime wedges, for serving

DIRECTIONS
1.. In a heatproof bowl, soak the árbol, guajillo and ancho chiles in the boiling water until softened, about 20 minutes. Drain the chiles, reserving 1/3 cup of the soaking liquid. Coarsely chop the chiles.
2.. In a small skillet, toast the cumin seeds over moderate heat until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Transfer the seeds to a blender. Add the chiles and their reserved soaking liquid along with the oregano, garlic, paprika and 1 tablespoon of salt. Puree until smooth. Scrape the chile puree into a large nonreactive bowl or baking dish. Add the goat and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3.. In a large saucepan, cover the beans with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 1 hour; add more water as needed to keep the beans covered by 2 inches. When the beans are just tender but still al dente, season them with salt and let stand in their cooking liquid for 5 minutes.
4.. Preheat the oven to 375°. In a large, enameled cast-iron casserole, cook the bacon over moderate heat until the fat has rendered, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a large plate. Add the olive oil to the casserole. Working in batches, cook the chile-goat mixture over moderately high heat, turning a few times, until richly browned all over, about 4 minutes. Transfer the browned goat to the plate with the bacon.
5.. Add the onion to the casserole and cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the goat and bacon and any accumulated juices and stir well. Add the beer and boil over high heat until reduced by half, about 8 minutes. Add the chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
6.. Cover the casserole, transfer it to the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until the goat is tender when pierced with a fork. Add the beans and bake, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, until they are warmed through. Remove the casserole from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the chili to bowls and serve with the sour cream, cilantro sprigs and lime wedges.

MAKE AHEAD
The chili can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.